the things taught in this module were things i learned very quickly when i first went to study abroad in vienna, austria. i knew very little about the european culture of vienna, and it honestly didn't cross my mind that my cultural values and attitude may be offensive to to another's. i quickly came to realize that my cultural norms were cultural offenses in europe. we were oriented for a few brief moments on expectation of how to act on the public transportation and things like that, but then we were on our own! luckily, i made friends with a few of the locals we met at church functions. i learned from them that european believed american's to be ignorant and arrogant. at first i was hurt because i didn't feel these accusations were true about me, but i came to realize that this stereotype maybe did fit many americans in the eyes of europeans.
this module just reiterated this knowledge for me. traveling to a different country is much much more than site seeing and exploring. it's about molding and changing your behavior into something respectful to that specific cultural expectations. you are responsible for representing your country, and disproving any biases or stereotypes that exist in the eyes of the culture you're experiences. it's essential you are open to learning experiences and criticisms that might come your way. i was surprised when i learned all of this in europe, and i know it will be a whole new experience while in peru.
the information presented in this module is sooooooo important! understanding this material is crucial for a successful experience in another country. you can just barge in on a culture and expect them to change what they believe to accommodate your cultural beliefs. it's quite the opposite, in fact. if these concepts and ideas of adapting your cultural conceptions to respect don't become a part of your mindset, you will have a completely different experience in another country. (and it aint gonna be pretty!) :)
i have been lucky enough to live in another country for a while and experience the things taught in this module. having this knowledge will help me become a better person in peru. i know it will change my outlook on the way i act and portray myself to the people of peru. it will change my experience for the better and allow me to learn and grow in an extremely unique way.
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